President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration is engaging world leaders through diplomatic channels following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action against terror groups in Nigeria over alleged mass killings of Christians.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja after swearing in two new ministers, Dr Bernard Doro and Dr Kingsley Udeh (SAN), Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government would defeat terrorism and secure all parts of the country.
He said, “We will defeat terrorism in this country. The task ahead is immense, but we are engaging the world diplomatically, and our economic reforms continue to yield positive results.”
Trump had earlier declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” accusing the government of allowing the persecution of Christians. He later said he had directed the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria.
FG Calm, Engaging U.S. Diplomatically
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said after the meeting that the government would not panic, adding that formal discussions had opened with the U.S. to address Trump’s remarks.
He said, “We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country. The government remains stable, and the President is calm.”
Northern Groups Reject U.S. Sanctions, Defend Sharia Law
In reaction to calls by U.S. lawmakers for sanctions and a ban on Sharia law, northern elders and Islamic groups condemned Trump’s threats, calling them “an assault on Islam.”
The Northern Elders Forum and the Coalition of Northern Groups said Sharia was part of northern identity and warned that no governor would suspend it under U.S. pressure.
NEF spokesman, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, dismissed the genocide allegations as “empty propaganda,” saying both Christians and Muslims were victims of terrorism.
South-West Clerics Call for Respect of Nigeria’s Sovereignty
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland urged the U.S. to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and avoid interference that could undermine internal peace.
Evangelical Fellowship Calls for Justice and Security
The Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship urged the Federal Government to disarm terrorists and ensure justice, saying violence in Nigeria was driven by terrorism, not religion.
Civil Society Groups Protest Trump’s Threats
Human rights activists under the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda protested in Lagos, describing Trump’s statements as “reckless and destabilising.”
China Backs Nigeria
The Chinese government reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and opposition to foreign interference. Ambassador Yu Dunhai said China would continue to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining stability.
U.S. Lawmakers Applaud Trump’s Stance
Meanwhile, over 30 members of the U.S. Congress praised Trump’s decision to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, calling for sanctions and stronger action against those behind religious attacks.
FG Begins Security Reforms
The Federal Government has commenced a nationwide overhaul of police training colleges and security institutions to rebuild professionalism and strengthen internal security.
